Tourist trap

On our way to Yosemite, we made a detour to San Francisco. The city took a little bit of navigating at first, but we ended up discovering some new (to us) gems. The Palace of Fine Arts, a first for Ryan and I, had an amazing view of the city amidst it's ornate Roman architecture. We also found a few of the must-try restaurants and shops, like Bar Tartine and Dandelion Chocolate, all of which did not disappoint. In search of a lookout point, we stumbled upon Tank Hill, where we were quite literally almost blown away. Truly, the wind was just as impressive as the scenery we could see from that hilltop.  

Before leaving, we fought traffic just to get a snapshot of the Golden Gate bridge. It was just as beautiful as I remembered from my childhood. Except this time, it was almost entirely covered by fog, which added an almost magical element to the view. 

I have to admit, independently exploring San Francisco as a group of amateur adults was not as glamorous as the last time I visited with my family. However, by the time we left that evening, I had been (re-)won over by this confusing, overcrowded, and absolutely picturesque place. 

Brandy sisters

We stumbled upon a teepee by the river and couldn't resist going back for a photo opportunity. I mean, who could, really? My little sister, Jessica, is not only the most beautiful girl I know, but also the most loyal,  thoughtful, loving friend I could ask for. Her silly and joyful spirit brings out the better side of my sometimes way-too-serious self. I cannot stand being separated by so many miles, but the precious times that we are together are so very dear to my heart. These gorgeous photos capture our uniquely special relationship perfectly and will be treasured forever.

New traditions

The day before the fourth, we squeezed in one more bike ride to Village Smithy and one more rafting trip. By the time our vacation was coming to a close, it seemed everyone else's was just getting started. The Abbotts and Kusters (and a few of the Nichols) were coming to town for the usual 4th of July festivities. However, with a flight to catch out of Denver, Ryan and I really didn't have much time to participate in any of it. My sweet family accommodated our schedules by re-arranging their plans. While the actual holiday consisted mostly of driving and flying, we had a few sweet moments down by the river before we left.
 

Almond milk lattes

This year's crossword and coffee date included a trip to Glenwood's very own Blue Bird Cafe. Like usual, we all pretended to participate in the crossword puzzle that only my dad could complete. Among other things, it made me realize that living in Nashville has made me a bit of a coffee shop snob. And that I have a very protective, supportive family. Needless to say, we will not be returning there anytime soon.

My first attempt at frisbee golf

While I am proud to say that my athletic brother and I were the undefeated corn hole champions of the trip, I did not have the same success with frisbee golf. After a few holes (is that even what they're called?), my sister and I admitted our defeat and retired to get some coffee. Sometimes the city slicker in me just comes out, what can I say? With a course as pretty as this one, though, I might have to give it another shot someday when the weather is more cooperative.

Gone fishing 2013

We split up one afternoon while the ladies explored thrift stores and the men went fishing. In the end, we both came home victorious: the girls with an ornate mirror for McKenna's new home and  the boys with a few trout to grill. I love that Ryan brings along his camera for these outings because I feel like, in some small way, I get to be a part of both adventures.

Bike to Carbondale

Destination bike rides are already high up there on my list of favorites. But in my opinion, the bike path to Carbondale beats them all. 12 miles each way of mostly flat pavement that winds along the river with unbeatable views of Mount Sopris (which just so happens to be the view we were enjoying when Ryan proposed). And on top of all that, some of my very favorite restaurants are in Carbondale, the perfect halfway point. 

This evening in particular, we all saddled up in time to make our 7 o'clock reservation at Phat Thai (ironically, the restaurant where we celebrated our engagement). McKenna drove the sag-wagon, as we like to call it, so about half of the group piled in to give their full bellies a rest on the way home. Determined not to miss any chance we had to enjoy this ride, Ryan and I joined the parents in a race against sunset. Ultimately, with my legs being in the current shape they are, we lost. Riding this familiar trail with only my dad's bike headlight to guide us was an entirely new and exciting experience-- a consolation-prize worth losing for.